Presentlee

by Ashley SullengerMay 07, 2017

In 2010, our daughter Preslee passed away due to an accidental drowning. As her story spread on our family blog, we were humbled and amazed by the outpouring of love we received from family, friends, and strangers across the world. During those dark grief stricken moments, I was often brought to tears as a package would be left on our doorstep containing a small gift and words of encouragement. I clung to each act of kindness which helped buoy me up as I felt myself sinking further into the darkness.

The compassion and empathy shown to us was truly life changing. We marveled at the length strangers went to help a young couple they had never met, and left us with a drive to help others.

As I continued to write on the blog, e-mails began pouring in asking how they could help support friends and family who had recently lost a loved one. I quickly learned people want to help, but are often unsure of the best way to go about it. Many times, their uncertainty or fear of saying the wrong thing keeps them from doing anything at all. Over the years, I've spent hours responding to e-mails, linking gifts, learning what items people appreciate, and trying to encourage people that showing up on someone's doorstep is enough and is appreciated.

Our goal and the whole reason we created Presentlee is simple, to encourage others to show up. That's it. We hope we can help everybody have a support system when hard things come their way, even if it's just one person.

We have big plans in store, and hope you'll support our vision. We know that if we all work together, we can spread hope to those who need it. What could be more meaningful than that?